An interactive and informative site designed for dental hygienists who want to take their careers a step further. Whether you are new to the dental field or a seasoned hygienist I hope that you find the information on this site gives you useful ideas and helpful suggestions. ~Do what you love, and love what you do~

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Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. No matter how qualified you are for the position, you will need to sell yourself to the interviewer.

Do greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. (If you're not sure, do ask the receptionist about the pronunciation before going into the interview.)

Do shake hands firmly. Don't have a limp or clammy handshake!

Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. And do remember body language and posture: sit upright and look alert and interested at all times. Don't fidget or slouch.

Don't tell jokes during the interview.

Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s).

Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company.

Do brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or have a breath mint before the interview.

Do avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as "like," "uh," and "um").

Don't be soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence.

Do have a high confidence and energy level, but don't be overly aggressive.

Don't act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.

Don't say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers.

Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner.

Do remember that the interview is also an important time for you to evaluate the interviewer and the company he/she represents.

Don't respond to an unexpected question with an extended pause or by saying something like, "boy, that's a good question." And do repeat the question outloud or ask for the question to be repeated to give you a little more time to think about an answer. Also, a short pause before responding is okay.

Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on an opportunity until you are sure about it.

Don't answer cell phone calls during the interview, and do turn off (or set to silent ring) your cell phone and/or pager.

Do show what you can do for the company rather than what the company can do for you.

Don't inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or other benefits until after you've received an offer. Be prepared for a question about your salary requirements, but do try and delay salary talk until you have an offer.

Do ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry. Don't ever not ask any questions -- it shows a lack of interest.

Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want the job and asking about the next step in the process.

Do try and get business cards from each person you interviewed with -- or at least the correct spelling of their first and last names. And don't make assumptions about simple names -- was it Jon or John -- get the spelling.

Do immediately take down notes after the interview concludes so you don't forget crucial details.